Roman Catholics commemorate Ascension Sunday on May 29, known as the bodily rising of Jesus Christ into heaven, 40 days after His Resurrection on Easter.
A vigil mass and a novena in preparation for Pentecost Sunday are traditionally held in observance of the feast.
At the Ascension of the Lord Parish in Lagro, Quezon City, Novaliches Bishop Roberto O. Gaa will preside over the fiesta mass at 4 p.m. in celebration of the feast and the 44th parish fiesta.
Novena masses were held from May 20 to 28.
According to the New Testament, the Ascension of Jesus refers to the physical departure of Jesus Christ into heaven in the presence of eleven of His apostles. In the Christian tradition, reflected in the major Christian creeds and confessional statements, God exalted Jesus after His death, raising Him from the dead, and taking Him to heaven, where Jesus took His seat at the right hand of God.
In Christian art, the ascending Jesus is often shown blessing an earthly group below Him, signifying the entire Church.
The Feast of the Ascension is celebrated on the 40th day of Easter. Also called Ascension Day, Ascension Thursday, or sometimes Holy Thursday, it is one of the ecumenical feasts of Christian churches, ranking with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter, and Pentecost.
Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51 and Acts 1:2), although some Christian denominations have moved the observance to a Sunday.